Volunteer support worker jobs

At Dandelion Time, we support children facing significant emotional challenges, often, but not always, rooted in adverse childhood experiences such as domestic violence, abuse, or neglect. Our systemic, trauma‑informed approach focuses on the whole family, helping them build healthier relationships, create positive change, and move towards brighter futures.

Nature is at the heart of everything we do. Through hands‑on activities in the natural world, children and families connect with the earth, plants, animals and with each other.

About the Role 

As a Family Support Worker, you’ll play a key role in delivering our therapeutic programme. Working alongside the Therapeutic Programme Manager and Family Caseworker, you will help plan, prepare and facilitate meaningful therapeutic sessions for children and their families. This may include leading group sessions supported by Teaching Assistants or collaborating with teaching staff involved in each child’s care.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a welcoming, energetic and committed team making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children. The work is deeply rewarding, offering the opportunity to help families rebuild relationships and create new beginnings.

What can you bring to Dandelion Time?

To thrive in this role, you will have experience supporting disadvantaged children or those with SEND, as well as an understanding of the challenges faced by parents and carers managing their own wellbeing. Experience as a Youth Leader, Scout Leader, Forest School Leader,  or in a similar child‑centred, outdoor or community role, will be a real asset.

You’ll have a genuine passion for hands‑on, creative activities, whether that’s crafting, working with the land, or caring for animals. An interest in our land‑to‑table ethos, including the preparation and cooking of healthy, nutritious food, will help you feel right at home.

Above all, you’ll bring a warm, joyful presence to the families you support, helping to create a safe, nurturing environment where children can grow, explore and flourish.

Victim Support are looking to recruit Children and Young Person's Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (CHIDVA) to join our Children and Young Persons team in Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness.

We have multiple positions available based in Cumberland covering the North, West and Westmorland & Furness, Barrow.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression

About the Role

These roles are based in Cumberland North (Carlisle), Cumberland West (Workington) and Westmorland & Furness (Barrow). There is a requirements to travel to meet clients & work across areas as required, with a combination of home and office working.

As a Children and Young People IDVA (CHIDVA), you will play a vital role in providing high quality, end-to-end support to children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse across Cumberland. You will act as the single point of contact for young victims throughout their recovery process, delivering support and interventions in a group setting or one-to-one basis.

You will need: -

You will have a thorough understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on child victim/survivors.

You will understand safety and risk and how it relates to children and have strong communication skills and the confidence and ability to present and educate service users and agency partners on the realities and impacts of domestic abuse in a variety of settings. An ability to work independently and prioritise a busy workload is essential.

You will have the skills to provide effective crisis intervention, carry out risk assessments, safety planning, assessment of needs and individual support planning. You should have demonstrable experience of working in a similar setting or position.

To be successful in this role you should have good IT skills & thorough safe guarding awareness.

This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability, please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

Deliver hands-on advice, outreach, training and mentoring as part of a new countywide partnership programme.

This four-year role, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, sits at the heart of the Small and Mighty (SaM) infrastructure support programme, delivered by a partnership of Community First Oxfordshire, OCVA, Oxford Community Action, Charity Mentors and Volunteer Link-Up, working directly with grassroots voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise groups. You’ll help organisations navigate challenges, build capacity and connect with others through outreach clinics, tailored training and collaborative spaces. Alongside staff within partner organisations and the existing CFO and OCVA team, you’ll play a key role in strengthening Oxfordshire’s community sector for the long term.

Job-share will be considered.

We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high-impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.

As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping over 50,000 young people each year at its 44 learning centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision to 50 centres over the coming years.

We are looking for someone who will enjoy working each day with young people and who will thrive in a frontline, community-based, fast-paced and rewarding role. You will be taking up a fixed-term contract as an Education Worker at our
centre in Norwich.

Location: IntoUniversity Norwich
Contract: Full-time, fixed-term until August 2026
Applications close: 9am Monday 13th April 2026
Start date: As soon as possible, to be agreed directly with the successful candidate

Salary

£28,250 per annum

What could my day look like?

The Education Worker role is a frontline, fast-paced and rewarding role where no two weeks will look the same. A typical day will have different activities, possibly spread between the IntoUniversity centre, partner schools and the offices of a corporate partner.

In the morning, you might be setting off with resources to run a workshop for sixth-form students in their secondary school. In the afternoon you may be setting up the classroom ahead of running Primary Academic Support for young people in your IntoUniversity centre. On other days, you may be travelling to a corporate partner to run a business simulation workshop for 15 year-olds or leading a group of final year primary school students on a campus visit for their graduation.

As an Education Worker, you’ll always be delivering the programme as part of your centre team, which means that any delivery is always a team effort. 

Volunteer Lead

What is the opportunity

Balance is seeking a persuasive and values based role model to work with its leadership team and operational managers to build the volunteer offer across the charity and its services. This is a part time post based on 25 hours per week based at our offices in Kingston with additional flexibility for home working.

About your values and strengths

You are someone who strengths and values will align with the following attributes:

• Shows independence and can think on their feet to bring new ideas to the table
• See’s volunteers as valued contributors to support the visibility and inclusion of with learning disabilities in our communities.
• Is collegiate and outward facing in their working style.
• Sees problems as opportunities particularly in building you own knowledge and that of others you work with

What you can expect from us

A charity that works hard to put its people, those who it supports and those who provide its services at the heart of what we do. A charity that takes its mission and values seriously in developing its services, operational approach and commercial relationships That supports and encourages its staff to participate as partners in our development as a business, our outcomes and the delivery of our values.

You can also expect

A commitment to training and professional development to support internal progression in and beyond the charity. Inclusion in and a 3% employers contribution to the charity's pension scheme. Generous annual leave allowance of up to 25 days a year plus bank holidays and an additional day off for your birthday. Access to a range of discount schemes including Blue Light Card Access to the charity's employee assistance programme. Access to travel card loan, and bike to work scheme.

To Apply

Please follow the link to our recruitment site and ensure that you submit both a current CV and supporting statement that addresses the strengths and values set out in the person specification.

We are an inclusive employer

This charity employs and welcomes applications from backgrounds and communities that are widely representative of the SW London communities in which it works.

Deliver hands-on advice, outreach, training and mentoring as part of a countywide partnership programme.

This four-year role, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, sits at the heart of the Small and Mighty (SaM) infrastructure support programme, delivered by a partnership of Community First Oxfordshire, OCVA, Oxford Community Action, Charity Mentors and Volunteer Link-Up, working directly with grassroots voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise groups. You’ll help organisations navigate challenges, build capacity and connect with others through outreach clinics, tailored training and collaborative spaces. Alongside staff within partner organisations and the existing CFO and OCVA teams, you’ll play a key role in strengthening Oxfordshire’s community sector for the long term.

Reference Number: V566

Job Title:Mentor Manger

Location: Dundee

Contract Type:  Fixed Term Contract

Hours: 35 hours per week full time

Salary: FTE £25,625

DBS/PVG: PVG required

Job Family: 3

Line Manager: Project Manager Mentoring and Supported Volunteering Program

Closing date: 27th March 2026

Interview Date/s:TBC

Anticipated start date: TBC

Volunteering Matters  

Who we are
At Volunteering Matters, we believe people have the power to create change. Whether through volunteering by helping others and giving time, or through social action such as speaking up, campaigning, or leading change, everyone can make a difference. We bring people together to build stronger communities across England, Scotland and Wales, making sure everyone has the chance to get involved and create real change.

 What we do
We help people of all ages and backgrounds get involved in volunteering and social action. We focus on making sure that everyone, no matter their situation, has the chance to take part. We work with local people.

 How we do this

We support people to share their time and skills to help others and tackle big challenges in their communities.

· We remove barriers to volunteering and social action, making it easier for people who don’t always get the chance to take part.

· We listen to and amplify voices that aren’t always heard, helping volunteers and communities influence change.

· We help volunteers beyond their first experience, offering training, support, and pathways to new opportunities.

· We connect businesses with communities, creating meaningful employee volunteering projects.

· We show the impact of volunteering and social action, proving how it changes lives for the better.

Our promise to volunteers

We are always looking for new ways for volunteers to make a difference. We bring people together across generations and backgrounds to learn from each other and create change. At the same time, we make sure that all our volunteers are trained, supported, and valued, so they feel confident in what they do.

It’s a brilliant time to join us. We’re evolving, growing our impact, and shaping a future where everyone can take part and feel they belong. 

Role Purpose

Our Mentoring and Supported Volunteering program (MSV) empowers people to improve their quality of life & reduce their vulnerabilities by using volunteer mentors and volunteer opportunities within their communities to build resilience, confidence & aspirations, gain practical experience, boosting CV’s through obtaining UK based references and moving towards employment.

Our approach is person centered and participants are matched with a volunteer mentor whose experience, expertise or interests compliment the needs & aspirations prioritised by the person and provide peer support & mentoring delivered flexibly in the community.

Regular intensive engagement sessions with volunteer mentors provide a unique third space between services/institutions/employer & friend/peer in which people can work towards positive changes & goals in a supportive, strengths-based setting.

MSV focusses on a strengths-based approach, combining peer support & mentoring enabling people to engage in a self-determined & positive way with community and employment opportunities.

We also offer tailored, and supported volunteer placements with our third sector charity partners, for a period of 3-6 months tailored directly to the individual’s needs. This is based on their job aspirations, current skillsets, motivations, and interests to create the “best fit” and get the most out of the experience. The mentor manager successful in this post will not directly place or support participants in these volunteering placements but will work closely with the MSV volunteer manager as there is often cross-over of participants and ‘in-house’ referrals between mentoring and supported volunteering, as these services are often complementary to each other.

Who does MSV support? - Participants eligible for All in Dundee support include, but are not limited to:

· Those who are long-term unemployed / inactive

· Those with mild to moderate physical and mental health conditions, including disabilities,

· Those requiring specialist / bespoke support to access the workplace (e.g. neurodiverse customers)

· Those with severe and enduring mental health conditions

· Families with children experiencing poverty including Best Start Bright Future’s Priority Families

· Women returners

· Young people with Additional Support Needs who are most at risk of not participating in education, training, or employment

· Those with a history of offending or drug / substance misuse

· Customers experiencing precarious work or in-work poverty and are at risk of leaving employment

· Other customers where applicants can evidence a demand and a gap in support for those customers

Key Duties Responsibilities

· To recruit, process, train and support volunteer mentors across Dundee.

· Develop strong relationships with our diverse pool of mentors to ensure they feel supported, valued and listened to

· Provide information to key workers about our mentoring offer, including FAQ sheets and promotional materials that can be shared

· Explore new avenues for mentor recruitment and develop and maintain relationships with referral partners

· Create engaging content and share with our Communications Team so it can be promoted across our social media channels

· To engage directly with our local beneficiaries, who have numerous barriers and challenges in their lives, and work to understand their wants, needs and aspirations in order to make the best mentor match

· To manage the risk assessment, quality assurance and audit processes as appropriate

· Ensure monitoring, impact and evaluation information and data is collected and that the project meets its agreed targets, reporting format and schedule. 

· Assist in project development and in the creation of new resources and training materials

· Promoting and representing Volunteering Matters

· Contribute to the wider Volunteering Matters staff teams, upholding our values and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion at all times.

Person Specification 

Skills 

· A sound and comprehensive understanding of the challenges and barriers that people we support face

· Strong written and verbal communication skills

· Excellent organisational and IT skills

· Excellent people skills with the ability to build professional, long-term relationships with others e.g., referral partners, participants and volunteer mentors

· Person-focused, and adaptable – able to go from delivering group mentor training to chatting with a nervous participant

· Ability to manage a busy workload and prioritise tasks accordingly

· Strong attention to detail and a willingness to accurately record all interactions

· An understanding of safeguarding and the importance of following the organisation’s policy and procedures related to this

· A passion for supporting people and in particular, an understanding of the value and impact mentoring can have

· Confidence delivering training virtually and face to face

Experience 

· Experience working with and supporting a diverse range of people in a community setting is essential

· Demonstratable relationship management experience with a wide range of partners and stakeholders

· Proven ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team

· Experience delivering training would be advantageous.

Qualifications

Relevant experience and values alignment is more important for this role than specific qualifications

Other

Although home-based, our model of delivery requires being “on the ground” in communities, and so a regular presence in, and travel within Dundee is required. 

All aspects of the role will be risk assessed.

Internet access to enable remote working is essential.  IT equipment and infrastructure will be supplied. 

This role requires membership of the PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) scheme. Having a conviction will not necessarily cause a bar to employment.

Essential Requirements all staff

· Understanding of Our Values

· Demonstrates awareness of and alignment with Volunteering Matters’ core values.

· Commitment to promoting inclusion, respect, and community impact.

· Teamwork and Collaboration

· Works well with others and contributes to a supportive, inclusive environment.

· Able to collaborate across teams and with external partners.

· Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

· Understands the importance of EDI in all aspects of work.

· Treats all individuals fairly and respectfully.

Communication Skills

· Clear and effective verbal and written communication.

· Ability to engage positively with colleagues, volunteers, and external stakeholders.

Organisation and Time Management

· Ability to manage tasks effectively and prioritise workload.

· Reliable and proactive in meeting deadlines.

Problem-Solving and Initiative

· Can identify challenges and propose practical solutions.

· Shows initiative and resourcefulness in supporting projects and volunteers.

Commitment to Volunteering and Community Impact

· Enthusiasm for volunteering and creating positive change in communities.

· Awareness of the impact of volunteering on individuals and society.

IT Literacy

· Comfortable using standard office software and digital tools relevant to the role and managing/recording data

· Must adhere to the organisation’s Code of Conduct and uphold its values at all times.

· Proficient in Microsoft 365, particularly Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel, with the ability to manage email communications and collaborate digitally.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and professionally in English.

· Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, managing time and priorities in a busy environment.

· For remote roles, candidates must be self-starters who can work with minimal supervision, stay organised, and remain motivated to meet deadlines and deliver quality outcomes.

· Attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving and information sharing.

· Adhere to all health and safety policies and procedures, and promptly report any hazards, near misses, or incidents in line with organisational guidelines

Our Values & Way of Working

In all that we are guided by our values: Empowering, Inclusive, Compassionate, Positive & Straightforward. 

Diversity & Inclusion

Volunteering Matters welcomes all applicants and are keen to ensure our team reflects the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We encourage applications from disabled, LGBT and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, along with candidates with any protected characteristics and from disadvantaged groups.

Disability Confident & Reasonable Adjustments

We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role. Please provide evidence in your application, which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required in the Job Description under skill and experience. To be considered for a guaranteed interview or to discuss any reasonable adjustments during the process, please state this in your cover letter. 

Benefits

Our employee benefits reflect our culture which is built on an approach of full flexibility with accountability, and designed to let you make your most positive contribution; we offer:

· Flexible Working by Default (re hours & place of work) 

· Unlimited Annual Leave 

· Employee Pension scheme 

· Life Assurance 

· Cycle to Work Scheme 

· Season Ticket Loan 

· Employee Assistance Programme 

· Enhanced sick and family leave.

· Lifestyle Discount Scheme

We are also open to discussing job share applications.

GDPR Statement

If you apply for a role with us, we will retain your contact details including your name, address, email address and phone number to help us manage your application for up to six months.  We will not use your personal data for any other purpose or share it with any third party. You can contact us at any point to update your personal information or ask us to delete it from our records.

Policy on AI-Generated Applications 

Applications are accepted on trust, and we expect all submissions to reflect the applicant’s own words, experiences, and motivations. While tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) may support the application process, applications should not be generated wholly by AI. 

To Apply

Please send an updated, complete CV and cover letter via the Charity Job Apply button above. In your application clearly state which role you are applying for. In the cover letter please demonstrate how you would fulfil the role requirements, what previous relevant achievements you have (both in life and at work), what skills & experience you can offer, and what you believe you can contribute to Volunteering Matters.

We welcome applications from everyone, but please note that if we receive an extremely large number of responses, we may close this advert early to fully consider applications. We encourage you to apply promptly so you don’t miss the opportunity to join our community. 

Please note that all applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to progress applications that don’t meet this requirement.

Our Vacancy

Outreach Support Worker – Empower People to Live Independently and Thrive

Are you someone who’s compassionate, proactive, and loves helping others build confidence and independence? Do you enjoy being out and about, meeting people, and making a real difference in your community? If so, this could be the perfect role for you.

We’re looking for an Outreach Support Worker to join our team, supporting vulnerable individuals across the Epping and Harlow area of Essex. You’ll be helping people overcome challenges related to mental health, physical health, and employment—so a full UK driving licence and access to your own car is essential. 

What your day might look like

• Start by visiting customers in their homes, helping them maintain their tenancies and build essential life skills.
• Support individuals with navigating welfare benefits, accessing services, and building confidence.
• Liaise with external agencies to ensure customers get the right support at the right time.
• Provide crisis intervention when needed, always with empathy and professionalism.

What makes this role special

Please note, this isn’t a care worker role. This is a role where it’s about empowering people, not doing things for them. You’ll help customers build resilience, develop skills, and take control of their lives. You’ll be their cheerleader, guide and advocate.

You’ll be part of a passionate team that’s committed to helping people flourish, and you’ll have the freedom to work independently while making a real impact.

Could it be you?

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience (professional or voluntary) in a supportive role
• Has worked with individuals facing mental health, health-related, or employment challenges
• Understands housing support needs and welfare benefits
• Can provide pre-tenancy advice and ongoing tenancy support
• Communicates clearly and solves problems with confidence
• Holds a valid UK driving licence and has access to a vehicle
• Is happy to undergo an Enhanced DBS check

What you’ll get in return

• 25 days’ annual holiday (plus bank holidays)
• 2 paid volunteering days each year
• Flexible benefits scheme including healthcare, dental, tech, vouchers, and more
• Life assurance at 4x your salary
• Up to 10% pension contribution
• Family-friendly policies
• A role where your support helps people thrive

A role where your support creates independence

PLEASE NOTE: As an employer, Peabody does not provide sponsorship as a licenced UK employer

Closing date: 6th April 2026

Interviews will be held in person at our Pitsea office no later than April 14th 2026.

Our Vacancy

Care Support Worker – Help People Live Their Best Lives Every Day 

Do you love making a difference? Are you the kind of person who brings warmth, energy, and compassion wherever you go? As a Care Support Worker at Peabody, you’ll be a vital part of someone’s journey—helping them live independently, confidently, and joyfully.

Whether it’s supporting with daily routines, encouraging hobbies, or simply being a kind presence, you’ll help people feel safe, heard, and empowered. This is a role where your care truly counts—and where every day brings new opportunities to brighten someone’s life.

What You’ll Do

• Support people with personal care, health needs, and daily living tasks
• Help individuals express themselves and make choices that matter to them
• Encourage hobbies, interests, and community activities
• Build strong relationships with families, friends, and professionals
• Keep homes safe, clean, and comfortable
• Work flexibly across services—including evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to reviews and team meetings
• Promote health, safety, and uphold quality standards

What You’ll Need

• A kind heart and a compassionate mindset
• A sense of humour and a resilient attitude
• Great communication skills and a team spirit
• Willingness to work flexibly, including unsociable hours
• Respect for diversity and individual needs
• Ability to maintain accurate records and meet deadlines
• A satisfactory DBS check
• Experience in care or support (voluntary or paid) – desirable but not essential
• Care Certificate or NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care – desirable but not essential

Why Join Us?

When you join Peabody, you’re joining a team guided by our values:
Be Kind, Do the Right Thing, Love New Ideas, Celebrate Diversity, Keep Our Promises, and Pull Together.
We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, included, and empowered.

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Two paid volunteering days each year
• Flexible benefits scheme and discount portal
• Life assurance at 4x your salary
• Up to 10% pension contribution
• Paid training and development opportunities
• Employee assistance programme
• Staff recognition schemes

Please Note: Peabody is unable to offer visa sponsorship

This post is open to female applicants only under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, as being female is a Genuine Occupational Requirement for this role

Please Read Before Applying

This role follows a 24/7 working pattern, which includes sleep ins, weekends, and bank holidays. You’ll need to be flexible and ready to support people when they need you most. (You'll need to be available to work the following shift times - 0700 to 1430, 0900 to 1630, 1430 to 2200 and 2200 to 0700) 

If this sounds like we are right for you and you’d love to be part of Peabody, we’d like to hear from you.

Please apply now by submitting an anonymised CV and a short statement explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.

Closing Date: 31 March 2026

Interviews will be held at our Pitsea office, Pembroke House, no later than 10th April 202

Family Support Worker 

£24,000 pa + Company Car and benefits (including 25 days annual leave, reward scheme and pension)

Essex and surrounding areas, including Romford, Ilford, Harlow, Loughton, Chelmsford

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is going through an exciting time where we are growing, with the aim of reaching more families in need.

About the role:

We are looking to appoint a Family Support Worker on a full time basis (35 hours per week) to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of our Essex Care Team.

Reporting to the Family Support Manager of the Essex Care Team and working in partnership with health, education and social care professionals, you will take responsibility for providing needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life threatening or terminal illness.

Having worked in a stressful and emotional environment you have a genuine interest in building supportive relationships and helping people; and having provided bereavement support to families, you understand processes of grief, loss and change - and how best to help others deal with its impact.

Location:

This role covers Essex and surrounding areas, including Romford, Ilford, Harlow, Loughton & Chelmsford.

What we’re looking for:

· An experienced child health, education or social care professional - applications will be particularly welcome from those who have worked in a community environment and those with a recognised qualification in education, health or social care

· A warm, inclusive approach to achieving goals quickly and correctly

· Practiced in child protection, information sharing and the rules around data protection - you lead by example, drawing on your own professional experience and working within established guidelines

· Practical and people-oriented - you will thrive working at a fast pace whilst maintaining accuracy and be a confident user of IT (including MSOffice)

· A persuasive and open communicator - you will work collaboratively with your team and volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality service and support fundraising colleagues by writing case studies and family updates

· A practical knowledge of diversity issues affecting children, young people and their families – aware that being responsive to others needs and concerns, is essential.

What we offer:

We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees, including:

· Flexible working hours to balance home and working life

· Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to support your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand

· Company car for front line care posts

· 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 years to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time)

· Time off in Lieu

· Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts

· Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes

· A recommend a friend recruitment bonus scheme

· Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year

· Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%

· The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping

Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth

If you’d like to find out more about these benefits and working with us, please visit our website.

As part of our learning and development Anne Harris Skills Development Programme, we aim to provide a high level of training and development opportunities for all staff, so you are able to perform to the best of your ability, achieve individual and team objectives aligned to Rainbow Trusts strategic plan, supporting staff to be their best and feel a valued member of a high performing organisation.

Our Family Support Teams are given the opportunity to complete a number of diverse training courses in their first 12 months, including but not limited to: Mental Health First Aid, Makaton, counselling skills, introduction to play.

The programme aims to provide a building block for you to individually tailor your own learning and development needs.

About us:

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed. For families living with childhood illness, time is everything. Right now, there are too many families coping alone with no support, no time to think, no time to make memories and no time for each other. We believe that no family should go through this alone, so we are here to change that.

How to apply:

Please visit our website via the link and apply online.

Interview Date to be confirmed

Please disclose on your application form if you have used AI for any part of your job application.

Interviews will take place at our Essex Care Team office with the dates to be confirmed. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful. If you require any adjustments during the interview process, please let us know.

There will be a requirement for flexible working and a full current driver’s licence to accommodate team and family need. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.

Rainbow Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are a Best Companies One-Star rated organisation.

Our Vacancy

Care Support Worker – Help People Live Their Best Lives Every Day 

Do you love making a difference? Are you the kind of person who brings warmth, energy, and compassion wherever you go? As a Care Support Worker at Peabody, you’ll be a vital part of someone’s journey—helping them live independently, confidently, and joyfully.

Whether it’s supporting with daily routines, encouraging hobbies, or simply being a kind presence, you’ll help people feel safe, heard, and empowered. This is a role where your care truly counts—and where every day brings new opportunities to brighten someone’s life.

What You’ll Do

• Support people with personal care, health needs, and daily living tasks
• Help individuals express themselves and make choices that matter to them
• Encourage hobbies, interests, and community activities
• Build strong relationships with families, friends, and professionals
• Work flexibly across services—including evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to reviews and team meetings
• Promote health, safety, and uphold quality standards

What You’ll Need

• A kind heart and a compassionate mindset
• A sense of humour and a resilient attitude
• Great communication skills and a team spirit
• Willingness to work flexibly, including unsociable hours
• Respect for diversity and individual needs
• Ability to maintain accurate records and meet deadlines
• A satisfactory DBS check
• Experience in care or support (voluntary or paid) – desirable but not essential
• Care Certificate or NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care – desirable but not essential

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Two paid volunteering days each year
• Flexible benefits scheme and discount portal
• Life assurance at 4x your salary
• Up to 10% pension contribution
• Paid training and development opportunities
• Employee assistance programme
• Staff recognition schemes

Please Read Before Applying

This role requires an enhanced DBS check.

This role follows a 24/7 working pattern, which includes overnight shifts, weekends, and bank holidays. You’ll need to be flexible and ready to support people when they need you most.

If this sounds like we are right for you and you’d love to be part of Peabody, we’d like to hear from you.

Please apply now by submitting an anonymised CV and a short statement explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.

Closing date: 10 April 2026

Interviews will be ongoing and take place in person at Gallimore Lodge, Meesons Lane, Grays, Essex, RM17 5HR by no later than 17th April 2026. 

PLEASE NOTE: As an employer, Peabody does not provide sponsorship as a licenced UK employer.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Barnardo's is seeking an empathetic and child led individual who can work within a dynamic and fast-paced environment using their strong organisation, communication and time management skills to support children in the secure estate.

This position (Children's Rights and Advocacy Worker – Project Worker 2) is based within Wetherby YOI, York Road, Wetherby LS22 5ED, which accommodates children aged between 15-18 years, who are in custody either sentenced or on remand. Barnardo's refers to Young Offender Institutions (YOI's) and Secure Training Centres (STC's) as the Secure Estate (please note, the location of some secure establishments may mean they are not easily accessed by public transport).

Barnardo's is commissioned by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to provide an Independent Children's Rights and Advocacy (ICRAS) Service to children accommodated in a secure setting. The service is known to children as Barnardo's: Your Rights, Your Voice, and currently works within five Young Offender Institutes, and one Secure Training Centre. The ICRAS service is child led and independent of the secure estate; our service is delivered within Feltham YOI to ensure children can freely access support for a range of issues linked to their needs, rights & experiences of custody, resettlement, and safeguarding.  As such this is a child-facing service, and at times involves lone working in the establishments, so we are seeking someone who can see the child, not the offence.

We hold ‘voice' at the heart of all we do, therefore we feel the role is best described by someone who is currently working in this service: “The role is a Children's Rights and Advocacy role, which means it is our job to empower the children we work with and help them to understand that what they think, what they feel and what they want really matters. We can speak on behalf of children to ensure their voice is heard and we also have the opportunity to help them to find the tools and confidence to raise their voices for themselves.  Advocacy and Children's Rights support is particularly crucial in the secure estate because children are away from home, family and champions, and also because children in secure estate are some of the most vulnerable children in society; they have often faced considerable adversity, disadvantage and discrimination prior to arriving into custody and they might not therefore be equipped with the skills needed to articulate their concerns. Through the work you do with a child from simply helping them make contact with friends or family on the outside, to helping them with concerns they may have for example; discrimination, resettlement or safeguarding. You may be the one person telling them they matter for the very first time.”

The position (Children's Rights and Advocacy Worker – Project Worker 2) is line managed by a Team Manager, reporting to an off-site senior manager. The post holder will need to be able to work autonomously, working to the requirements of the contract and the regime of the YOI. The secure estate is a highly structured environment; as a Barnardo's service we deliver independent advocacy and support for a range of issues, whilst still having to follow and adhere to this structure.

This role includes lone working in this challenging prison environment. It is therefore critical that the successful candidate in this respect is able to follow guidance and policy and is able to take a proactive and individual responsibility to understand and access the support mechanisms in place and encouraged by the service as required. 

When completing your application please refer to your skills, knowledge and experience in relation to the Additional Information, Person Specification and Job Description document. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described, including advocacy and safeguarding.  

This is an 'As and When' post, therefore hours will depend on service need and may differ week to week. We are seeking to recruit weekend working hours. 

There will be two stages of the interview process. 

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible

Family Support Worker - Greater Manchester

Maternity Cover up to 12 months

£24,000 pa + Company Car and benefits (including 25 days annual leave, reward scheme and pension)

Greater Manchester region

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is going through an exciting time where we are growing, with the aim of reaching more families in need.

About the role:

We are looking to appoint a Family Support Worker for a fixed term period of up to 12 months, on a full-time basis (35 hours per week), to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of our Greater Manchester Care Team.

Reporting to the Family Support Manager of the Greater Manchester Care Team and working in partnership with health, education and social care professionals, you will take responsibility for providing needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life threatening or terminal illness.

Having worked in a demanding and emotional environment you have a genuine interest in building supportive relationships and helping people; and having provided bereavement support to families, you understand processes of grief, loss and change - and how best to help others deal with its impact.

What we’re looking for:

· An experienced child health, education or social care professional - applications will be particularly welcome from those who have worked in a community environment and those with a recognised qualification in education, health or social care

· A warm, inclusive approach to achieving goals quickly and correctly

· Practiced in child protection, information sharing and the rules around data protection - you lead by example, drawing on your own professional experience and working within established guidelines

· Practical and people-oriented - you will thrive working at a fast pace whilst maintaining accuracy and be a confident user of IT (including MSOffice)

· A persuasive and open communicator - you will work collaboratively with your team and volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality service and support fundraising colleagues by writing case studies and family updates

· A practical knowledge of diversity issues affecting children, young people and their families – aware that being responsive to others needs and concerns, is essential.

What we offer:

We are a Best Companies Two-Star rated organisation, an outstanding place to work! We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees, including:

· Flexible working hours to balance home and working life

· Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to support your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand

· Company car for front line care posts

· 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 years to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time)

· Time off in Lieu

· Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts

· Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes

· A recommend a friend recruitment bonus scheme

· Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year

· Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%

· The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping

· Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth

As part of our learning and development Anne Harris Skills Development Programme, we aim to provide a high level of training and development opportunities for all staff, so you are able to perform to the best of your ability, achieve individual and team objectives aligned to Rainbow Trusts strategic plan, supporting staff to be their best and feel a valued member of a high performing organisation.

Our Family Support Teams are given the opportunity to complete a number of diverse training courses in their first 12 months, including but not limited to: Mental Health First Aid, Makaton, introduction to play, drawing and talking training.

The programme aims to provide a building block for you to individually tailor your own learning and development needs.

About us:

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed. For families living with childhood illness, time is everything. Right now, there are too many families coping alone with no support, no time to think, no time to make memories and no time for each other. We believe that no family should go through this alone, so we are here to change that.

How to apply:

Please visit our website and apply online.

Please disclose on your application form if you have used AI for any part of your job application.

Interviews will take place at our Greater Manchester Care Team office with the dates to be confirmed. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful. If you require any adjustments during the interview process, please let us know.

There will be a requirement for flexible working and a full current driver’s licence to accommodate team and family need. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.

Rainbow Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and caring Children and Familes Worker to support and develop our work with local children and families within our Methodist church community.We see families and children's ministry as a key area of church growth and discipleship.  Our aim is for as many families and children as possible come to know and share in the love of Christ.

We are looking to appoint someone who enjoys building relationships, encouraging faith in everyday life, and creating welcoming spaces for families to belong.

We are keen to shape the role around the right person, so hours are flexible and negotiable.  Your passion and vision is the most important criteria. 

Priorities of the role

1. Reaching out and building relationships with families and children, from Launceston and the surrounding villages, connecting them with our church community
2. Building links and partnerships with other local community groups, schools and organisations
3. Enabling individuals to discover their faith and grow through discipleship
4. Developing and running fun, inclusive faith-based activities
5. Engaging in developing and implementing the church’s overall mission

The post holder must be a committed and practising Christian. This is a genuine occupational requirement (Equality Act 2010).